WCA #538 with Greg Norman – Steve Albini, Electrical Audio, Community, Family, & Institutional Knowledge
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Greg Norman of Electrical Audio to the show to talk about his journey, Steve Albini, the future of Electrical Audio and much more.
WCA #537 with Peter Craft – Napa Destination Studio, Bonding Experiences, Life in Tech, Songwriters as Magicians, and Inspiration of Scenes
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt Boudreau chats with Peter Craft of Boxer Lodge Studio in Napa. From a tech career to full-time audio engineering, Peter shares his inspiring path back to music. Hear about his early recording dreams, building a destination studio, recording philosophy, and working with the vibrant Bay Area Americana scene. A journey of passion, creativity, and community.
WCA #536 with Robert Kirby – Leaving Home, Tahoe, Education, Fantasy Studios, Growth, and The Noise Shop
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Bay Area producer and engineer Robert Kirby, who shares his journey from audio student to studio intern, assistant, and ultimately to running his own studio space.
WCA #535 with Case Newcomb – COVID Career Shift, Industry Connections, Taking Command, Learning Process, and Customer Service
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes San Francisco based Producer, Engineer and Mixer Case Newcomb. Case works out of many studios including Hyde Street and 25th Street Recording and has worked on projects for Ishmael Reed, NVRMAN, and Rafe Stepto.
WCA #534 with Brendan Duffey – Genre Diversity, Grounded Mindset, Career Evolution, Peaceful Living, and A Berklee Degree
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning Producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer Brendan Duffey who has worked on projects for Bruce Dickinson, Devon Townsend, Sheryl Crow, and Kendrick Lamar. Brendan is also the Senior ATMOS mastering engineer for Million Dollar Snare.
WCA #533 with Mike Fraser – Mixing, Psychology, Workflow, Managers, and Starting as a Janitor
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Legendary rock mix engineer Mike Fraser to discuss his 40+ year career crafting iconic records for Aerosmith, AC/DC, and more.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Mixing approach – Keeping it minimalist & focusing on the song
Time management & career longevity in the music business
Building trust with high-profile artists in the studio
Gear & workflow preferences – Why he sticks to SSL consoles & NS-10s
Adapting to the industry’s shift to digital & remote work
Navigating band dynamics & working with creative personalities
WCA #532 with George Bokos –Studios In Athens, Nap Time, Working With Remote Clients, and Sunlight Over Isolation
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes George Bokos who runs Grind House Studios Athens in Athens, Greece. George has worked with numerous bands including ALL SINS UNDONE, CALYCES, COSTIN CHIOREANU, and BLACK KAISER.
WCA #531 with Travis Ference– LA Fires, Rebuilding a Studio, Insurance Lessons, Backup Strategies & Community Support
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back producer, engineer, and mixer Travis Ference who has worked worked on projects for Imagine Dragons, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, and Bush, to name a few. Travis is also the host of the podcast Progressions: Success in the Music Industry.
Travis recently lost his studio in the fires in Altadena and this episode is all about that.
WCA #530 with Justin Perkins – Mastering, Client Experience, Data Archival & Backup, Automation & Templates and Streamlined Communication
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mastering Engineer Justin Perkins who has worked with The Replacements, Rufus Wainwright, En Vogue, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Shania Twain, Jellyfish, Johnny Cash, The All-American Rejects, Rickie Lee Jones, Donna Summer, Busta Rhymes, Jason Mraz, Lucero, Hanson, New Kids on the Block , Sum 41, Asia
Justin Perkins’ success as a mastering engineer is not solely based on his audio skills but also on his meticulous approach to business operations. His emphasis on automation, client communication, and data management provides valuable lessons for anyone in the audio industry seeking to optimize their workflow and deliver exceptional service.
WCA #529 with David Stagl – Worship Sound, Broadcast, Bruce Springsteen, Live Sound Mistakes, and Feedback City
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Mixing Engineer David Stagl who has worked on projects for or with North Point Community Church, Christ Fellowship(West Palm Beach, FL), Eagle Brook Church (Minneapolis, MN), musical artists: Kristian Stanfill, Jesus Culture, Passion, Phil Keaggy, North Point Music and in broadcast: Discovery Channel, HGTV. Corporate: Home Depot, Wyndham Vacations, and Motorola.
WCA #528 with NAMM 2025 – Community, Gear We Saw, Companies We Like, Seminars, Good Shoes, and Drinking Water
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt is joined by Chris Selim from Mixdown Online and Lij Shaw from Recording Studio Rockstars to discuss our NAMM 2025 experience.
WCA #527 with Owen Davies – Studio Design, Recording Everything, Tap Dancing, and Building THE Home Studio
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Engineer / Producer Owen Davies who has worked with Broken Teeth, Survival, Fangs Out, Netherhall, Yo Titan, and Brookhorse.
WCA #525 with The Pellicci Brothers – Shared Commitment, Creative Collaboration, Cultural Influence, Literal Creativity, and Burlap
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back the Pellicci Brothers, Jay and Ian, who appeared originally on WCA #054. They have worked with Deerhoof, John Vanderslice, Sleater-Kinney, and the Magnetic Fields.They currently run Brothers (Chinese) Recording in the Bay Area.
WCA #524 with Michael Romanowski – Immersive Audio, Critical Listening, Value Of Community, and The Dangers of Comparison
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back Grammy Winning mastering engineer, Michael Romanowski. Michael’s extensive credits include Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt, Lyle, Lovett, Earth Wind & Fire, Kane Brown, and the Grateful Dead.
WCA #523 with Lizzie Westsmith – Role of a Monitor Engineer, Touring Life Balance, Community, and 924 Gilman Influence
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes monitor engineer Lizzie Westsmith who has worked for numerous bands and sound companies including Rancid, Ice Spice, Rat Sound and Coachella. Lizzie shares her journey from discovering her love for audio at Berkeley’s iconic Gilman Street to navigating the challenges of the live production industry.
WCA #522 with Ed Donnelly – Independent Mindset, Live Recording, Indie Bands, Immersive Audio and Inspiration
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes Producer/Engineer Ed Donnelly, who has worked with Willie Nelson, Zac Brown, Old 97s, Son Volt, Del McCoury, Nathan Jacques, Lorin Hart, Cole Gallagher, The Lonesome Captain, Trent Summar & The New Row Mob
WCA #521 with Maor Appelbaum – Genre-Specific Mastering, Creating Analog Hardware, Building Client Relationships, and Being Part of the Team
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt welcomes back mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum (originally on WCA #062)to discuss his career, his approach to mastering across genres, and how he adapts to new technology. Maor has worked on projects for artists such as Faith No More, Yes, and Meat Loaf.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Genre-specific mastering approaches
Creating and collaborating on new analog hardware
Strategies for effective client communication
Building and maintaining long-term professional relationships
The value of being part of a collaborative team in the audio process
WCA #520 with Jeremy Goody – Studio Rebranding, Shifting to Voice Recording, Battling Cell Towers, Building Faraday Cages, and Overcoming Obstacles
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with engineer and studio owner Jeremy Goody, who was last featured in Episode 85. Jeremy has worked on VO projects for Microsoft, Nuance, Google, Seasonal Visions, and music projects for John Santos, Anticon, and Winfred E. Eye.
WCA #519 with J.J. Blair – Studio Construction, Microphone Insights, Heart Surgery, and Navigating the Modern Music Landscape
In this episode of Working Class Audio, Matt reconnects with Grammy-winning producer and engineer J.J. Blair, last featured in Episode 96. J.J. shares the challenges of building a state-of-the-art recording studio in the Hollywood Hills and offers insights from his popular “Microphone Mondays” series. He also opens up about his recent heart surgery and recovery, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health in a demanding profession.
J.J.’s impressive credits include producing and mixing the Grammy-winning album Press On by June Carter Cash, engineering Rod Stewart’s Grammy-winning and #1 Billboard album The Great American Songbook, Vol. 3, and engineering and mixing Joanna Connor’s #1 Billboard Blues album, 4801 South Indiana Avenue.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
“Microphone Mondays” series
Building a state-of-the-art recording studio
Acoustic design, soundproofing, and the science of great studio environments
Incorporating vintage and modern gear, including a custom Rupert Neve console
Adapting production techniques for genres from Motown to modern rock
Reflections on heart surgery, health, and maintaining resilience in the industry
The importance of studying hit productions and what makes songs stand out
J.J.’s experience with social media success and connecting with audiences
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